Health Library

Living with Herpes

To speed healing, take care of open herpes sores. To reduce outbreaks, take care of your health. And to keep from infecting others, learn how to avoid spreading the virus.

To ease symptoms

Start episodic treatment at the first sign of symptoms, such as itching or tingling.

Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to limit any pain.

Sit in a warm or cool bath or use a moist compress to lessen the itching of sores. For some women, genital outbreaks cause burning during urination. In such cases, urinating in a tub of warm water helps reduce burning.